Paul-Félix Armand-Delille

Paul-Félix Armand-Delille

Born	(1874-01-29)January 29, 1874
Birth place	Paris, France
Died	October 30, 1963(1963-10-30) (aged 89)
Nationality	French
Known for	Introduction of Mycobacterium bovis BCG vaccine in France

Paul-Félix Armand-Delille (29 January 1874 – 30 October 1963) was a prominent French microbiologist and geneticist best known for his pioneering work in the field of vaccination and for introducing the Mycobacterium bovis BCG vaccine in France. His contributions significantly advanced the understanding and prevention of tuberculosis in the early 20th century.

Biography

Born in Paris, France, Armand-Delille studied medicine at the University of Paris, where he later pursued his interest in microbiology and genetics. After completing his education, he joined the Pasteur Institute, a leading research institution in the study of diseases and vaccines.

Career

At the Pasteur Institute, Armand-Delille focused on the study of infectious diseases, particularly tuberculosis. During the 1920s, he was instrumental in the adoption of the BCG vaccine in France, which had been developed by Albert Calmette and Camille Guérin. His efforts in promoting and testing the vaccine helped establish its use in preventing tuberculosis, which was a major health concern at the time.

In addition to his work on tuberculosis, Armand-Delille conducted research in genetics, exploring the inheritance of traits and the application of genetic principles to medical science. His interdisciplinary approach helped bridge the gap between microbiology and genetics, contributing to the development of medical genetics as a recognized field.

Legacy

Paul-Félix Armand-Delille's work left a lasting impact on public health and the scientific community. His contributions to the development and dissemination of the BCG vaccine have saved countless lives and remain a cornerstone of tuberculosis prevention strategies worldwide.

Death

Armand-Delille passed away on 30 October 1963. His legacy continues to influence the fields of microbiology and genetics, and he is remembered as a key figure in the fight against infectious diseases.